I feel a spree coming on, just in time with three new stores at IP

I got home from a weekend trip to New York City, took one look at my closet, and started slinging clothes over my shoulder in a frenzy. Blame it on all the much more fashionable people I shared air with. Blame it on the weather warming up. Blame it on exhaustion. But I suddenly hated 70 percent of what I owned. Truth be told, I was overdue for a purge. But now that everything I own is at Goodwill, I'm ready to shop -- probably not the best timing, considering the aforementioned (and pricey) NYC trip.

Oh well.

As if all that wasn't enough of a reason to hit the mall, our friends over in the Times business section are now telling us that International Plaza is getting ready to welcome three new clothing chains -- the hippie-loving Free People, Victoria Secret's cheeky PINK line, and Forever 21-ish Love Culture.

I'm partial to Free People. The clothier shares my unabashed love for slouchy denim, maxi dresses and general flower-child tendencies. From the same family as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, the line's a bit pricier than its cousins. I'd be more likely to splurge on one favorite piece here, rather than fully unleashing my pent-up urge to spree.

Next stop, PINK, the little sister of lingerie madam VS. Here's where I'll harken back to my over-sleeping college days. Where you'd roll out of bed at 10 a.m. like a boss, pull on some sporty sweat pants, grab a bagel at the campus Einstein's then grab a seat in Math for Liberal Arts Majors (What up journalists!?).

The blatant PINK label with the inexplicable "86" is all I'll need to show people that I'm wearing actual clothes -- and not my boyfriend's baggy warm-ups.

Or, since now I don't spend the majority of my days lounging, maybe I'll just stock up on some new skivvies.

I wasn't familiar with this store before hearing the IP news, but upon a quick perusal of its web site, it seems the Forever 21 comparison rings true. I see lots of designer knock-offs, colorful pants you'll probably wear, like, twice, and midriff-skimming shirts that scream things like LOVE or have a blown-up picture of a cartoon owl. But, if it's anything like the the ol' 21, that undeniable mistress, you'll be drawn in for quick-hit staples and cheap, fun splurges.

About the bloggers

Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising. E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.

Stephanie Hayes , addicted to heels for 15 years, has been experimenting with ballet flats, boots and cute sneakers lately. Her poor, tired feet thank her. She can never get enough animal print, and her eye shadow collection has become a bit of a hoard. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She knows a healthy swipe of red lipstick can make any outfit better. She can be reached at (813) 226-3394 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at (850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.